Laparoscopic Neural Interface Deployment With Protected Electrode Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Challenges exist in delivering and deploying neural interface devices, particularly during laparoscopic procedures, due to issues such as suture trimming damaging target tissue, friction causing advancement difficulties, and electrode tangling, which can lead to potential damage.
Innovation Solution
The use of a deployment tab with a suture thread system and retention mechanism to securely hold and deploy neural interfaces, featuring a go/no-go indicator for safe deployment and minimization of tissue damage, along with a delivery tube and pusher rod to protect electrodes during laparoscopic insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If suture trimming is performed during neural interface deployment, then the neural interface can be deployed, but target tissue may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The suture trimming function is extracted from the deployment process itself and performed separately after the neural interface is positioned. The deployment tool allows suture trimming to occur outside the constrained laparoscopic workspace, eliminating the risk of tissue damage during the trimming operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery tube acts as an intermediary that protects the neural interface and surrounding tissue during insertion and deployment. It provides a controlled environment that prevents direct contact between surgical instruments and target tissue during critical deployment phases.
2Ease of operation
If friction is reduced to facilitate neural interface advancement, then deployment becomes easier, but retention mechanism may fail to hold the interface
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery tube has different surface properties at different locations: the distal portion has reduced friction to facilitate advancement, while the proximal retention mechanism has increased friction or mechanical engagement features to securely hold the neural interface. This spatial variation in surface quality resolves the contradiction between easy advancement and reliable retention.
3Reliability
If electrodes are protected during laparoscopic insertion, then electrode damage is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The neural interface with electrodes is nested within the delivery tube during insertion, providing protection without requiring additional external protective structures. The pusher rod is then inserted through the delivery tube to advance the neural interface, creating a nested configuration that protects electrodes while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
4Measurement precision
If precise positioning is achieved during neural interface deployment, then deployment accuracy improves, but tissue irritation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery tube and pusher rod system allows the neural interface to be positioned precisely before contact with target tissue. The go/no-go indicator provides preliminary verification of correct positioning, ensuring accurate placement is achieved before the neural interface interacts with tissue, thereby minimizing unnecessary tissue irritation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A neural delivery device (1500) for delivery a neural interface device (1504) into an abdominal cavity for implantation within a patient, wherein the neural delivery device is configured to be inserted through a sealed port of an insertion tube, and wherein the neural delivery device comprises an opening at a distal end of the neural delivery device for the neural interface device.